President John Dramani Mahama has directed Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to impose a ban on non-essential travel for all government appointees, emphasizing the need for modesty in governance.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 17 newly appointed ministers on Friday, February 7, Mahama made it clear that any official travel must be approved by the Chief of Staff and, if necessary, should be conducted without extravagance.
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“I have asked the Chief of Staff to ban all non-essential travels. Any travel must be cleared with the Chief of Staff. Such trips, if approved, must be done in modesty, no first class,” he stated.
The newly sworn-in ministers include sector ministers such as Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh (Health), Sam George (Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation), Kofi Adams (Sports), Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Environment and Science), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Foreign Affairs), Joseph Bukari Nikpe (Transport), Felix Kwakye Ofosu (Government Communications), Rashid Pelpuo (Labour), and Issifu Seidu (Climate Change and Sustainability).
Regional ministers appointed include Charity Gardiner (Ahafo), Salifu Bi-Awuribe (Savannah), Joseph Nelson (Western), Wilbert Petty Brentum (Western-North), Joseph Addae Akwaboa (Bono), and Charles Lwanga Puozuing (Upper West).
Mahama charged his appointees to adopt a culture of fiscal responsibility and ensure efficient use of resources.
“The hallmark of this government will be modesty. I expect the best from all of you. You must dig deep into your resources to meet the expectations of Ghanaians,” he stressed.
He also urged Parliament to fast-track the vetting of deputy ministerial nominees to complete his government’s ministerial appointments.
“So far, we have sworn-in a total of 42 ministers. I have nominated 13 more who are yet to be vetted. I expect Parliament to expedite the vetting of the 13 nominees. In the coming days, I will nominate four more to make up the sixty,” he added.
